Rob Gronkowski Thinks 'Beast' Tom Brady Will Return to NFL 'in a Couple of Years'

Rob Gronkowski doesn't think Tom Brady's NFL career is over. 

Speaking to USA Today's Josh Peter, Gronkowski explained he thinks Brady will take a couple of years off to recharge before coming back. 

"The guy can play at any age," Gronkowski said. "If he’s 50 years old, he can still come back. I think he’s going to come back but in a couple of years. The guy’s a beast. He can play anytime."

Brady announced his retirement after 22 seasons in the NFL on Feb. 1. 

Speaking on his Let's Go podcast (h/t Jim Reineking of USA Today) this week, Brady seemed content with his decision even while not closing the door on changing his mind at some point:

"I try to make the best possible decision I can in the moment, which I did this last week. And, again, I think it's not looking to reverse course—I'm definitely not looking to do that—but in the same time, I think you have to be realistic that you never know what challenges there are gonna be in life. Again, I loved playing. I'm looking forward to doing things other than playing. That's as honest as I can be."

Brady and Gronkowski spoke about him possibly playing until 50 in a video posted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in September: 

After the Bucs' playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC divisional round, Brady said his family would play a big role in his decision about retirement. 

"As I’ve gotten older I think the best part is, football is extremely important in my life, and it means a lot to me, and I care about what we’re trying to accomplish as a team, and my teammates," Brady said on his podcast (h/t Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post). "The biggest difference now that I’m older is I have kids now, and I care about them a lot as well.”

On the same episode, Brady also said "it pains" his wife, Gisele Bundchen, to see him get hit during games. 

There was no indication from Brady's performance this season that his skill set was diminishing at 44 years old. He finished second in MVP voting after leading the NFL in completions (485), attempts (719), passing yards (5,316) and touchdown passes (43). 

Brady led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title in his first season with the team in 2020. They won the NFC South with a 13-4 record this season. 

Few players know Brady better than Gronkowski. They have been teammates for 11 seasons between the Buccaneers and New England Patriots. Gronkowski may have some inside information the rest of the world isn't privy to. 

For now, though, it seem Brady is going to enjoy retirement and perhaps consider his options at a later date.